Programs Specialist

Benefit Programs Specialist I

Portsmouth, Virginia, United States

Administrative

Closing at:
Oct 6 2026 - 00:00 EDT

L-740-Portsmouth Dept Of Social Services

Hiring Range: $51,698.17 to $66,555.05

Full Time or Part Time:
Full Time

Additional Detail

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Under general supervision, this position is responsible for determining eligibility for public assistance programs and services to include securing and verifying case information. Reports to the Benefits Programs Supervisor.

Performance Indicators

Knowledge of Job:
Has general knowledge of local, State and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations governing multiple benefit programs, as applicable. Has general knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of multiple benefit programs as administered through Social Services programs. Has general knowledge of the social and economic factors in the community. Has some knowledge of the forms, documents and manuals associated with multiple benefit programs.

Has some knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public administration. Is able to use common office machines, including computers and electronic file maintenance programs. Is able to compile technical information from a variety of sources and prepare clear and concise reports. Is able to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in analyzing and applying standards to a variety of situations.

Is able to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Is able to explain rules, regulations and policies of multiple benefit programs in terms understood by applicants/recipients and the general public. Is able to exercise considerable tact, courtesy and discretion in contact with program applicants/recipients and customers, and the general public. Is able to exercise considerable discretion in handling confidential files.

Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Quality of Work:
Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all co-workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work:
Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Dependability:
Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:
Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:
Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:
Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of it. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences is justified i.e., poor communications, variance with City policy or procedures, etc.

Relationships with Others:
Shares knowledge with supervisor for mutual and city benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, to project a good city image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city.

Emphasizes…